PRINCETON, N.J., October 2, 1998 - Consumer Health Sciences (CHS), a healthcare data information company specializing in consumer health issues, announces the results from its survey of more than 3,600 diabetics nationwide.

Significant Rate of Prescription Drug Switching
Among the many findings of the Diabetes Profile is the significant number of patients switching their medication (see attached chart). "These survey results show that although diabetes is a chronic disease, almost one third of diabetics have changed their medication sometime in the past six months," states Jane A. Donohue, Ph.D., President of Consumer Health Sciences. "Decisions about changing medication are usually based upon a doctor's recommendation, according to our data, although approximately 10% of respondents indicate they requested a new medication on their own. Of those who are taking medications orally, the switch to another oral drug is usually due to the drug not controlling their diabetes. However, 15% of the survey respondents indicate they switched because of side effects."

Delaying the Use of Insulin
The CHS Diabetes Profile also reports that only 29% of diabetics began using insulin immediately after diagnosis (chart attached). Participants in the survey who had initially delayed the use of insulin state that they typically waited more than four years before beginning to use the glucose-stabilizing medication. Thirty-eight percent of these respondents indicate that although their doctor suggested they take insulin during this period, they chose to delay. Among the reasons for delaying: thinking insulin was unnecessary, dislike of needles, and inconvenience.

Very Low Participation in Diabetes Management Programs
"Another surprising finding is the rate of participation in disease management programs," says Donohue. Although there are numerous diabetes management programs, only 10% of diabetics belong to a program and only half of this group expressed a high level of satisfaction with their program, according to the data. "Doctors, hospitals, and diabetes clinics should be aware of these findings," states Donohue. "The design and marketing of these programs should be based on patients' needs and expectations, which are reflected in the results of our survey."

The report, based on a longitudinal sampling of Type I and Type II diabetics nationwide, provides a wealth of data on:

• Use of prescription medicines and satisfaction rates;
• Glucose monitoring and use of insulin;
• Treatment to goal;
• Use of diet and exercise to control glucose levels;
• Impact of diabetes on their personal lives;
• Personal health and use of healthcare facilities over the past six months;
• Insurance coverage of drugs and supplies.

Consumer Health Sciences, LLC is a privately held company that specializes in providing consumer healthcare data from professionally designed surveys and expert data analysis. CHS originated the concept of providing specific consumer healthcare data to pharmaceutical industry decision-makers and it maintains the largest commercially available database in this area. The firm has become profitable in just two years, more than doubling its revenues between 1997 and 1998.